Urban fear over Necton homes plan

A village would be “urbanised” and an existing house would have to be demolished if a proposed housing scheme near Swaffham gets the go-ahead, according to a council report.

Planning officers have opposed the scheme in Necton, ahead of a Breckland Council committee meeting on Monday.

Developers are seeking permission to build on land to the rear of two current homes on Hale Road.

A report to the district council’s planning committee, which will consider the scheme at a meeting on Monday, said the plan is supported by the village’s parish council, who identified the land as one of its preferred sites for development.

But district planners said the economic benefits of the plan were outweighed by its location outside the village’s settlement boundary.

They said: “The proposal would have a significant urbanising effect it would not be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area.”

Some residents also fear approval could set a precedent for future development.

The scheme also includes the provision of a new mini-roundabout, which the authority says will help to slow traffic down.

But Norfolk County Council highways officers said that, while they did not object to the scheme in principle, a mini-roundabout was not acceptable.

They said: “Any development at this location should be provided by a priority junction, which would require the demolition of 63 Hale Road.”